1-2 KNOW: Big-screen goodness

ALL-IN-ONE computers seem to be all the rage these days, unless you are a hardcore gamer of course. Instead, we are looking at folks who want decent computing power without sacrificing on aesthetics — and Dell intends to deliver with its latest release, the Dell XPS One 27.

This is no doubt a 27-inch computer which delivers big-screen experience, thanks to one of the most vibrant displays from Dell ever. You get 27-inch of viewing goodness in stunning 2560 x 1440 Full Quad HD clarity and colour.

To make sure that your eyes experience the very best, the wide format 16:9 WLED display will pave the way for easy digital work, movies, games and photos, ensuring that they appear crisp alongside delivering vivid colours.

You can also opt to throw in a high-performance graphics card from NVIDIA, while entertainment features like Waves MaxxAudio 4 and Infinity-branded speakers ought to provide you with a more than decent multimedia experience.

Not only that, there is a choice to include a Blu-ray disc drive, alongside an internal TV tuner, turning this into an entertainment and multimedia powerhouse. It will have a 3rd Generation Intel Quad Core processor underneath the hood alongside Intel Turbo Boost Technology and a quartet of USB 3.0 ports. Price starts from US$1,399 (RM4,335) depending on the configuration. Details at www.content.dell.com.

2. Cloud computing machine

WHAT happens when you take the Google Chrome browser and make some modifications to it under the hood, and have it end up as an operating system? This is what the Samsung Series 5 Chromebook is all about. It offers rapid, convenient and an ever-improving computing experience.

Tipping the scales at slightly more than 1kg, it is less than an inch thin when closed, allowing you to tote around the Samsung Series 5 Chromebook just about anywhere you want to without shoulder strain. You also get to enjoy the benefits of a full-sized keyboard, helping you achieve maximum convenience and productivity even when you are on the go.

Your eyes will not suffer either with the 12.1-inch SuperBright LCD display, while other hardware specifications include an integrated webcam, an Intel Celeron 867 Dual Core 1.3GHz processor, 16GB SSD of storage, 4GB RAM, and an optional integrated 3G wireless modem. Of course, since this needs to be connected to the Internet in order for you to access your data from the cloud, performance varies, depending on the speed of the connection. The Series 5

Chromebook WiFi model will cost US$449.99, and those who want the 3G option will have to fork out an additional US$100.00. Details at www.samsung.com.

3. Apple-friendly keyboard

SINCE we get plenty of sun all year round, even during the monsoon seasons, it makes logical sense for companies to bring solar-powered devices here.

The Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K760 may soon change things, as it is specially developed for the Mac, iPad or iPhone, with the common denominator being this — all are products from Apple. This is a continuation of the

Logitech solar series, with the Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 and the Logitech Solar Keyboard Folio for iPad being its other siblings.

The Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K760 throws in Bluetooth connectivity to the mix, sporting an easy-switching capability so that you can pair multiple devices simultaneously and quickly switch among them with but a single push of a button. It will also not spoil the overall design of your Apple products since it comes in a slim, minimalist design with Mac-specific keys such as Command, Brightness and Eject amongst others.

When fully powered, this puppy is said to function for at least three months even in total darkness — assuming you work an average of eight hours a day with it. Expect the Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K760 to arrive in the markets sometime later this year for US$79.99. Details at www.logitech.com.

4. Child’s play

AS parents, we may find having to lend the children our iPad. But as the iPad is not constructed to withstand the rigours of child’s play, what are the alternatives?

Well, the Archos Child Pad is a 7-inch tablet that is specially made for children. It comes with an Alvin and the Chipmunks 3 theme to make sure your little one’s attention is captured right from the get go. It also sports a compact and lightweight design while running on the latest Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system, meaning there is no need to wait for a system update some time down the road. Granted, the 1GHz processor is not the fastest kid on the block, but your little one is not going to crunch numbers anytime soon on a tablet, right?

Accompanied by 1GB RAM, the Archos Child Pad will also offer specific Alvin and the Chipmunks 3 content-like behind-the-scene clips, wallpapers, and even an online game. There is also a pre-loaded parental control application for child-safe Web browsing, and you get Angry Birds thrown in as well. Retails at US$129.99. Details at www.childpad.us.

 

2

3

4

1 / 4